Building the Klondike Boat

Period Materials

• 10 lbs pitch
• 15 lbs oakum
• 25 lbs assorted nails

O. S. Johnson's Alaska Outfit included:

• 25 pounds 8 wire nails
• 20 pounds 10 wire nails
• 15 pounds 6 wire nails
• 6 pounds 20 wire nails
• 7 1/2 pounds oakum
• 7 pounds pitch
• 250 feet 5/8 rope

Klondyke and Yukon Guide (1898): Take plenty of tow for packing possible cracks in your boat, also two pounds of good putty, some canvas and, if possible, a small can of tar or white lead.

Outfitting recommendations from Joseph Ladue, the founder of Dawson City, in his book, Klondike Facts:

• 6 pounds of assorted nails
• 1 pound of oakum
• 5 pounds of pitch
• 150 feet of rope

About the naive boatbuilders: "They learned from watching, doing and their own mistakes." (Smithsonian National Postal Museum)